Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Paoua, Central African Republic, where the tropical climate exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. The UV Index serves as a vital tool for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, particularly during peak hours when levels can soar as high as 13 between noon and early afternoon. With Paoua's Aw climate characterized by its warm temperatures and sunny days, being informed about UV levels can help you protect yourself from potential skin damage and enjoy the beautiful weather safely.
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the day, peaking between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM at a striking 13—a clear signal to take precautions if you're outdoors. Starting the morning with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV levels rise steadily, reaching 6 by 9:00 AM and climbing to a critical high of 12 by 11:00 AM. After the noon peak, there's a gradual decline, with values falling to 5 at 3:00 PM, and ultimately dropping back to 1 by 5:00 PM and remaining low past sunset at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, where the index hits 0. Keep in mind this rhythm of UV exposure, as it underscores the importance of sun protection during the midday hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, particularly from January to October, with indices consistently ranging from 11 to 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes across these months. The high-risk months for sun exposure are February to April, where the UV Index peaks at 14 in April, making it crucial for visitors and residents to take proper precautions. Conversely, November and December see a slight decrease, with the UV Index dropping to 11 and 10, respectively, although these months still retain a very high risk level with a longer burn time of 15 minutes in December. To minimize sun damage, it is essential to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially in the months with the highest UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bimbo UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Bangui UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Mbaiki UVI | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Kaga Bandoro UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Paoua | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Berberati UVI | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |